OEM Taiwanese Carbon Fiber Bike Companies

Other than looking really nice, the Matrix F-35 is one interesting looking bike. I don’t know anything about the manufacturer, but I might visit the factory and check out this bike.

I’ve spent a bit of time researching Taiwanese OEM bike companies in order to find a great deal. I’ve actually found a 860 gr frame from Neo Cycles that would be a great training bike. It costs about $1,300 and is designed by the same people who made the Fascenario for Storck. It improves on that model with a thicker downtube for more stiffness and stability. The Fascenario 0.7 is a top-end bike. Pinarellos were also made there. Unlike most OEM bike frames, it’s BB30 and the owner of the “brand” will give me other deals on second-hand parts, like Fulcrum Racing Zeros and an ’08 Campagnolo Record 10 speed gruppo. He told me that his frame works better with 10 speeds than 11. The second-hand Record is cheaper than a new or second-hand SRAM Red gruppo, which is the one that I’d want to get. Unless I find a better deal on components in the second-hand market, I’ll just get Record. I’ll wait about a week before ordering it. This frame hasn’t been reviewed by others yet, but the lower-end frame, the Neo Exile, has been. It’s received great comments from bike riders. I’m also getting a bunch of stuff extra for almost nothing, which is really cool.

I want to get this frame in raw carbon fiber with a clear coat. The decals will be black, so they won’t show. It makes this a kind of stealth frame, which is what I want. I don’t want anything flashy. Good carbon fiber frames can be had new in Taiwan for about $700.

The new Pinarello Dogma frame costs about $4.500 here. That’s not a bad deal since it’s made here, exported to Italy, then re-imported for sale. The Prince will come down in price. I expect it to cost about $3,000-3,500. I still have to confirm that, but that would be a sweet racing bike to get. It’s between those two models and a TIME RXR Ulteam, which is a bit cheaper than the Dogma and about the same price as the Prince at $3,400. I wonder if I’ll be able to get that bike before Christmas. The main difference is that the TIME is a lugged CF frame while the Prince and Dogma are monocoque CF frames. I prefer monocoques, but the TIME really interests me.

Here is part of my research including links and comments on some OEM bike companies.

Pedal Force
Made in the same factory as Look (used to be made?) and Kestrels, some of their models are re-badged Axman’s. Their factory is in China. BTW, Look frames are made in Tunisia.

Axman
I strongly suspect that the Axman frames are re-badged BH frames. A quick note that Axman is just an assembler, so their frames will be fetch a higher price that buying direct from the factory. Made in China.

Neo Cycles
An interesting bike company whose bikes are made in the same factory as Storcks. It turns out that Carbotec actually designed the Fascenario. They are behind the Neo Exile and Exile Ultimate. The weave and carbon fiber is the same that’s used in the Fascenarios. The Ultimate is a BB30 frame that weighs 860gr and costs $1,300. This includes a fork and headset. Good deals on extra components thanks to Patrick Wu. While it’s important to mention that the same factory can make drastically different frames.

Figmo
Marudean trading company brand that also makes Edge branded products. They have no relation at all to Edge Composites in the USA. They are connected to several European brands.

Keith
Makes a cheap scandium frame that some bikers use as a training bike. Sells for about $800. Bike racers like to use them because their are quite resistant to damage. Racers like to use scandium or titanium frames as training bikes because of that reason.

Teneo
Made by the same people who make Wiliers and Fondriests. Frames and products come from several factories in China and Taiwan.

Ditec
Backed with a lifetime guarantee, I think that these are Orbeas, with improvements. They are also quite lighter, sub-900 gr. The 890SL weighs 800 gr but it has been discontinued due to problems with the frame. Ditec is actually a Spanish company that designs and engineers frames. They are made and finished in Taiwan, which is why they can be had here cheaply. The Ditec designs are original and they are not a Taiwanese brand. They are quite popular Spanish brand with little market presence outside of Spain. While someone mentioned that they aren’t Orbeas, I am still unsure of this statement, as these frames cannot be shipped to Spain or Portugal, which leads me to believe that they are connected to Orbea. Maybe not.

Tank
I haven’t yet figured out for which companies they make components and bikes, but they made a sweet looking aero frame that weighs 990gr¹.

Velocite
I don’t know much, but these frames are pretty easy to buy online. They make a carbon and titanium frame which sells for $1,400 and an ISP carbon fiber frame for $1,000. The Millennium has a carbon fiber fork and a full titanium frame weighs 1.25 kgs and should be a great training frame. The owner of the brand informed me that the Millennium is made more for long distance riding than training, though I kind of think that training involves long distances!

*

Update: Post has been updated with new information.

[¹] It’s pictured above. It’s strange how good this looks. Usually, OEM frames are not nicely painted. The paint jobs actually suck, which is why most people just go for no decals and raw carbon fiber with a clear coat.

Pedal Force: places Pedal Force stickers on frames and products from two factories in China, and Axman’s OEM factory also in China

Neo-Cycles: not correct. Read reviews on Bike Forums. Also, origin of the frames does not mean much. Any factory can make a super high end frame as well as a low end frame. You just need to specify the type of material you want and the manufacturing process. So, the same factory can make high and low end frames of corresponding quality and performance. This does not mean that Neo frames are bad, just do not read too much into the eBay nonsense of “made in the same factory as….” as this is meaningless, and misleading.

Figmo: Marudean trading company brand that also makes Edge branded products. They have no relation at all to Edge Composites in the USA. They are connected to several European brands

Teneo: newcomer, frames and products come from several factories in China and Taiwan

Ditec: not Orbeas. The Ditec designs are original and they are not a Taiwanese brand. They are quite popular Spanish brand with little market presence outside of Spain.

Tank/Matrix: some original and shared designs with RTS. Product quality and support is generally good.

Velocite: New company with products that look interesting. USA based with main operations in Taiwan. As far as I know they do not make a carbon/titanium frame. The Millennium is a full titanium frame.

The frames of Pinarelo are made by Carbotec in China, the have paid for a new mold based onto the Carbotec FCM10 model only the back is changed onto it, all the rest is the same as the Carbotec FCM10 model.

Pedal force use frames from anyone that has something interesting. have had ADK in past and looks like GM are favourites at the moment.

Pinas are made in China and painted in Taiwan. Finished in Italy must mean taken from the shipping container and put into a box with a manual because they leave the painters fully done (I’ve watched Princes getting painted). Low end looks (566, 576 and previously 555) made in Taiwan and high end in Tunisia.

Tentech is probably the premier factory at the moment (Cervelo, Scott, Trek) and not taking more clients last I asked.

I know most of this manufacturers, they are great to do business with plus they guarantee their products for two years. As a bike developer(because i don;t manufacture) I have learn that it is a matter od marketing, people pay for what they see on magazinez and Tv as well as what pro riders use and not by product quality. I tell my clients not to pay attention to that, that they can make the transfer from alloy without spending a lot of money and still have a frame with same quality and guarantee. Great post, i ‘m loking foward to get a review on my brand.
Thanks
G Francisco
Montecci Bikes CEO

Hi Gustavo!
I have to agree. There is a lot of emphasis put on carbon fiber frames, but I don’t believe that they are the ultimate in all types of biking. There are a lot of carbon fiber frames that break.

That being said, I do like carbon fiber because it’s stiff and light. I’d be happy to review your bikes. Contact me via email at djrange[at]gmail[dot]com.

hi everyone!
pretty discussion that is happening here 🙂 i’m trying to start my own brand here in portugal and i’m conecting with some people in china to provide me that kind of frames and components. so far i have only made some sample order in order to test the products and see if they are trusted. for now i cannot say more abou that but if everything goes nice i will start my own brand, because i think that what is payed from a top end bike is quite absurd when they seem to be also made in same factories or opponents of them. even if they are superior, the price paid isn’t from this planet, with the money that costs a top end scott frame, or other top end brands piranello we buy 2 complete bikes from this supliers, also with sram, shimano or campagnolo groupsets. that’s all for now, i’ll be in touch again when i have more news about the quality of this oem brands 🙂
best regards

Hello, Bruno. I am looking to buy Scott Spark RC or Scott Spark 10 bike. It can be a bike with a different brand name ( good quality copy). May be you could help me to find such a product? Thank you, Sergei

Many trading companies like to call themselves “manufacturers”, but they are not. Or they may be stretching the meaning of the term since they indeed order the manufacture of their stickers, but the implications is that they make the physical product that the sticker is applied to.

This is of course unfortunately not only limited to Taiwanese companies.

I travel a lot for business, frequently to Asia. I will be in Taiwan in March 2011. I’m looking for a mid- to upper-end carbon fiber performance frame (not relaxed or comfort geometry)with Sram Red or DA & decent hoops, and like you I prefer that it be stealth rather than a billboard. All of your research seems to be directed toward retail purchase from local bike shops in Taipei. I was once in the graphite golf shaft biz & several of the factories were down around Taichung. Do you know where these factories are and if they ever sell direct ‘out the back door?’

Hi Range, I would also be interested if there are some good upper carbon frames available on the grey market or if there is a chance to grab one of these directly on the back door of some factories in Taiwan and/or Mainland China. Do you also have some intel on OEM carbon rims? Would love to hear your advice on this topic. Thx in advance!

I am interested in importing carbon bikes, accessories, bike parts and clothing and am wondering if you have access or can locate any of these goods. I am in the Uk and I am looking at importing cycling equipment. I have a few questions:-

regarding carbon bikes, are you able to source branded bikes and are they cosiderably cheaper than prices in the Uk? As the likes of pinarello are painted & badged up in Italy is it still possible to get them from the Taiwan fully badged up?

Are you able to source branded bikes conponents such as shoes, wheels, groupsets, pedals, clothing from your contacts in China or Taiwan.

Anyone ever heard of Tommaso bikes and know who manufactures their carbon TT/TRI frames. I contacted the company and understand they are made by someone in Taiwan. I know many years ago the company was owned by different people and the bikes were made out of a different factory I am only interested in what is going on now. Are these frames coming out of the factory of Quality? It looks as if the company is trying to start a name for itself, they have sponsored a pro triathlete for the 2010 season and make pick up more for 2011. Bottom line is the bikes are a great price I just want to know if the frames or good quality, and even truly aero.

Hello range
Im thinking to start a shop with race bikes in Denmark with oem bike, is there any manufactures you can recommend?
I think cervelo and specialized makes nice frames, so looking that way!
Looking foward to your reply

Cervelo and Specialized aren’t OEM brands since they are well established. They make nice bikes, but I find that customers like Pinarello, Colnago, and TIME more. At least, my own customers.

As for OEM bikes, the best way to contact them would be to come over here for one of the bike shows. The Taipei bike show is in March, or around then, and it’s the best way to make contacts. There are a lot of factories around.

I can offer you Velocite, Gryphon (Colnago EPS copies), and the Taiwanese Pinarello Prince.

@Kowloon I sent you an email. I run on online shop, so I don’t really have any grey market wares. They only wares that I think you might like are the Gryphon, which is a Taiwanese copy of the Colnago EPS as well as the Taiwanese Pinarello Prince, which is the same as the regular Prince, however it’s finished in Taiwan.

Hi there, was wondering whats the most affordable full carbon bicycle shipped to the U.S. from a dependable distributor overseas, cant seem to get any reply from the companies I have contacted, do you have any quotes on how much 1 frame would be? or either a full-on carbon bike? any leads would be appreciated! Thanks!!

hi range ,thanks for all the info ,i found a site kingcycle.net and they are selling very cheap big brand frames seems to be too good to be true have you any info on them ?.also am very interested in the matrix f35 if you could give me any info on it and how best to purchase one it would be great. many thanks tadhg

Hi Maxim, I sent you an email. I run an online store, so I’m not looking to sponsor anyone. You can contact Velocite Bikes to see if they are interested, but they only make a carbon fiber hardtail MTB.

Hello, Range. Do you know where I can find the tawainese pinarello prince on the internet? Also, maybe it is possible for you to recommend me where I can buy a copy of Scott Spark Rc or 10 ( in similar way like – Gryphon is Colnago EPS copy)

i’m new to tell you more than Range. Maybe Range is the most appropriatte guy to tell you what are the best suplier for Full suspension carbon frame. I can get full suspension from my suplier but it doesn’t have stock for that frame and i need to buy 20 pieces. but unfortunaly i cannot afford 20 pieces for carbon frame, cause i’m gathering many components from other brands, and it is quite dificult cause most suplier require 5000USD for sample order, wether be frames, chains or cassettes, and i’m fresh in high business.
For what i’ve seen there are few full suspension carbon frames supliers, and they are always selling the same mould, the same frame. you should try to contact this company “Wenzhou Sunday Trade Co., Ltd.” cause i think is the only that may accept a small order from you. i’ll also wait for waht Range will said about this cause he have more experience than me. i’m also interested in full suspension carbon frame and in good suplirs with fair price that can accept small order. My suplier have the best prices that i’ve seen with many compnies that i’ve spoke to but it is hard to get mtb frames from them.

i’ll wait for what Range will say. tahnsk for you all and especially to Range that brings to us this pretty discussion about OEM companies

Hi Bruno, I don’t have many connections with the OEM market, except for the few things that I’ve mentioned. Most of my clients purchase mid to high end bikes, from brand names. For now, I’ve got no interest in working with manufacturers for OEM deals, but you guys are probably doing more than I ever did.

hello range,
i’m a cycling fanatic. Anything about bicycles I’m interested. i see you do business from the internet. I know of a few suppliers of big brands myself. Maybe we can help each other out.
Email or msn me.
Thank you.

I have a few questions:
1. Could you please help me link with all available OEM carbon frame conections you are aware off? Im aware and have connections with great pinarello frames, but thats it, could you hlp me find some other OEM?
2. Do you know of any frame manufactorers in Tawain that sell carbon road frames direct to low end sellers?
3. Do you know of any OEM wheel sets?
4. Do you know of any good suppliers of grou sets and accessories?

Hello Range, excellent thred- thank you very much for all the info. Could you please direct me to a couple of websites so I can purchase a frame that my have the same GEO as a Specialized Tarmac without the high cost. I purchased a Pedal Force RS3 worked for me but I sold it to my friend to get him on a bike. I will mostly be doing CRITs. Any recommendation on TRI frames as well. Thank you.

I probably know of one company that does this, but the frames are expensive, $2,500 USD. Any custom geo will take about a month to manufacture and these special orders have to be paid in full before the frame is produced. Cheers.

I’ve been looking at the RTS TTR3 and the Matrix F-35. Both look exactly the same but I just wondered if you know who the manufacture is and also if you have contact details for them. If you could drop me an email that would be great.

Range: Going to be in Taipei in late feb. and early march. Got any leads to find a cheap, really cheap carbon fiber frame and fork on the gray market? Going to be there for four weeks and no leads. Joe M.

Interesting info, thanks for the thread.
I will be in Taipei later this year, and wondered whether I should be looking to buy a new carbon road frame/fork while I am there — or does the internet mean that today, there’s no point?

The best time to come would be during this year’s Taipei Cycle Show, which is coming up during March 16-19 2011. I don’t really deal with these kinds of customers or manufacturers. Most of these wares are now made in China, but you can meet the manufacturers during the Taipei Cycle show.

Thanks for taking the trouble to provide all the info on your blog, I really appreciate it. I have been looking for information on PZ Racing, I have heard that they re-brand OEM parts but I cannot find the source. PZR do not provide any technical info for their frames on their site at all which leads me to believe that this mey be true.

I am interested in a sub 1Kg frameset for racing, stiffness and climbing ability are of paramount importance.

Range
You appear to mention the Pinarello Prince can you please confirm what price it would be to supply a full bike with various manufactures equipment. Would it also be possible to supply a price for frame only.

I am interested in a Cervelo S1 frame – do you know where I can source one cheaply direct from Taiwan. Alternatively, I’m looking for framesets similar to Specialized Road Tarmac and Roubaix. Any ideas?

Hey range I’m interested in the lower price frames to start off with for a road bike. Would like to buy complete bikes if available to start off with for my own use but I am looking to sell them in Australia. I’m slowly starting to build connections with cyclist and Triathlete’s locally any information to help get me started and maybe a link to your web page would be much appreciated. Thanks for all this information by the way.

thanks for the advice. Can you give me more info on the gryphon eps look alikes? where can i get one, do you sell them? i also saw on your site that there were some 2010 eps with good pricing, do you have anything in 52 slope or 56 traditional? finally, i see you talk about velocite often…i recently bought a bike, rossetti murcielago, then see a velocite just like it, the magnus i believe. do you have any info on this? does the factory sell to both, or do they share molds, etc?

Saw from your description of Teneo that they are the builder for Wilier. I stay in Tainan and have been trying to get my paws on a Granturismo frameset. Upon digging around for Teneo, appears website is down at moment. Any leads that can be shared? Cheers – Robbz

Range, thanks for the fast reply! Actually, I pinged the Taiwan Wilier rep a few days ago with no reply as of yet. Do you recall who was carrying them? Had a pretty good feeling no great discount would be possible but always looking for a “fair” price.

I have read all of you blogs just for the knowledge, thanks for your dedication. I will be moving to South China shortly, and I plan on racing in the Ironman Triathlon in Beijing in May. I subscribed to Alibaba and I been recieving emails for Scott Plasma Premiums. The prices are all under $2000 USD, is this legitamate? I am also in the market for a street bike for training purposes. I have also been recieving emails for carbon fiber wheelsets made by Zipp (404) These are being advertised for around $400 USD. I would appreciate any comments or suggestions. Sounds like my best bet is to be at that bike show in Taiwan in March.

Hi Range! Excellent site, your advice is valued. Please give me some advice on acquiring a Taiwanese Pinarello on the internet. I would also appreciate some advice on a reputable Taiwanese OEM manufacturer, not Chinese!!
Your views on Hong Fu Bikes??

Heading to HK, Taiwan, Shanghai, Shenzhen some time this fall and would love to hear any advice you may have. Looking for a good deal on a TT carbon frameset. Any factories, stores, etc. that you recommend I visit.

I have moved to Mainland China from the states. I have been shopping for a bike, and I found a Trek store pretty close to my residence. It seems they also sell Pinerello. They have a slightly used 2009 Paris frame that was used as a test bike and by the employees. They want 5000rmb. How do I know it is the real thing and not a copy? I also asked them to give me a price on a Trek TT 7.5. The quote was around 6000 rmb. I want to ask the same question about authenticity? My last question is, do you have a contact for Sram red components.

So I am pretty confused on how actually purchasing these bikes works. You list the websites of the manufacturers but when I go to the sites there aren’t any add to cart buttons, often no prices or typical buying procedures. Do you go through contact us tabs? How is the buying done?

Has anyone been purchasing bikes from these companies? How did you do it and were you happy with the transaction?

What were the shipping prices and how long did it take you to get the bike in the mail?

Very interesting blog and one thats just saved me a few quid
I’m was looking to setup a bike shop, and was looking into importing directly from asia. are all bikes and parts offered on allibaba.com fakes.
Bikes here in ireland are very expensive the idea that you could buy a dogma frame add your componants to it and sell in a shop was very appealing. a frame for 300-500 quid shimano dura ace groups 560-600quid a bike out the door of a shop for just over a grand. My question is are the fakes any good.?
Are the shimano groups far from the real thing are the frames far from the real thing most leisure cyclists like the colours, shape, clothing bits and bobs attached to bike they may do a race or two and feel fine they may not be hard core enthusiasts who want the OEM version how far away from the real deal are these parts the carbon fiber weave etc is it dangerous.?
your opinion is very valued.
Regards
Aidan

Selling fakes is a dangerous game, even if you run a small operation. It opens you to lawsuits from clients and companies. I’d stay away from the fakes on Alibaba and try to find some good OEM products that potential clients might buy.

Hi Range,
I would like to get into TT/Triathlon and want a good value CF frameset that wont break the bank from a reputable company.
price raneg in around 600$.
Am i Asking too much to find this?
thanks
john

I PLAN TO BUY CARBON FIBRE FRAME FROM YOUR COMPANY , I HAVE A BICYCLE SHOP , 3 UNIT FOR PERSONS WITH HEIGHT ABOUT 165 AND 170 CM , PLEASE REPLY FOR PRICE , DELIVERY ANY OTHER THING RELATED TO THE DEAL.

Hi Range
I have been reading through your interesting blogs. I have naively purchased a Pinarello Dogma 60.1 frame from China(Guangdong) and have since read reviews.

My actual plan is to offer bespoke build bikes to customers under my own branding.

Could you advise whether there are any manufacturers in Taiwan who offer frames to order? Also do you know of any manufascturers in Europe who may be able to offer this service??

I think my email mirrors a previous email which I have detailed below.

Many thanks
Fraser

…..I am interested in importing carbon bikes, accessories, bike parts and clothing and am wondering if you have access or can locate any of these goods. I am in the Uk and I am looking at importing cycling equipment. I have a few questions:-

regarding carbon bikes, are you able to source branded bikes and are they cosiderably cheaper than prices in the Uk? As the likes of pinarello are painted & badged up in Italy is it still possible to get them from the Taiwan fully badged up?

Are you able to source branded bikes conponents such as shoes, wheels, groupsets, pedals, clothing from your contacts in China or Taiwan.

Hi Aidan
I havent built the bike up yet. The frame looks very impressive although I have since read some adverse postings on ‘Chinarello’ frames (the UK’s name for imported Pinarello copies from China). So I’m not sure what the frame will be like to ride once built up.

Hi Fraser,
How much was the price of your Chinarello Dogma and where did you purchase it? Have you built up the bike yet? If yes, how’s the performance? I was also looking into a Colnago EPS copy but was hesitant on its performance once built. Any update from your end would be great.

The Chinarellos aren’t comparable to the copies made in Taiwan. They cost about $400. You get what you pay for. As for Colnago dupes, they can be found if you come to Taiwan. I don’t know anyone who still sells them.

Who sells these Colnago & Pinarello in Taiwan? Don’t you think it’s illegal? How about the real Taiwanese bike like the Trigon RQC29 which is their flagship bike? How is this bike comparable in performance to Colnago C59 or Pinarello Dogma or Prince? Thanks.

I find it hard to compare Trigon frames to anything that’s made by a big company, even Giant, especially the stuff like the Colnago C59 that’s still handmade in Italy. Naturally, all copies are illegal, which is one of the reasons why I don’t sell any. In the end, you get what you pay for.

Hi Range,
I am planning to go to Taiwan this coming May. Where can I find bike parts? I bought a Pinarello Prince with Campy Super Record from an authorized dealer and have been loving the bike. Are there deals to buy a bike in Taiwan even copies of Colnago and Pinarello? I also want to buy bike parts such as handlebars, etc. Any advice. Thank you.

Hi Joe. do you need to go on Taipei next week? why don’t you wait and combine your trip to TAIPEI CYCLE SHOW?7-10 march.
this is the most important event from bicycle world, before Eurobike and interbike, this is where the main products are shown first. if you can wait and combine, you can make a good deal around 400usd.
tahnks and best regards
Bruno

Hi Bruno,
Saw your post. What bikes are these that will go for around 400USD. Are these OEM Taiwanese bikes? I have been checking Trigon and Velocite.
although Velocite XS bikes are still way too big for me. Any leads on the brands of these bikes would be great.
Do you think you can get deals from FSA or SRAM? Thanks.

Hi Maria.
i don’t know exactly wich brand you can go for 400usd, but i think you can make a good deal around that money. depends on the new brands, and depend how big the brand grown in the last years. ususally small brands or manufacturers sell their products with no problem at all. if grown a lot, they will not care about selling to you…
regarding sram products i think you can get it there with complete bike, but if you want to buy separatly i have my doubts, but if you’re buying many groupset, try to contact sram guys there, and they will sell to you, even if not immediattely, cause usually sram takes 30 to 60 days to deliver complete parts for bicycle mounts.
FSA i have no clue.
just go and try 🙂
cheers

Hi Range,
i saw on ebay a new giant trc 2012 frame whit fork and seat post for 2500US $
/NEW-GIANT-2012-TCR-ADVANCED-SL-frameset-SIZE-M-L-Matte-Composite-Red-Black-/260950162515?pt=Road_Bike
Can i find a better price

I would like to know where I can get good quality Pinarello OEM with possible custom paint jobs. I was wondering if you have heard or know anything about Great Keen Bike? I am new and need some advice on this please.

G’day Range,
I have just done my maiden OD tri in Malaysia recently, and I am now shopping around intending to get into TT/Triathlon and want a good value CF frameset I am hoping to the price range in around $600.

Hello here.
I have been reading and learning from all post here.
I have found out tat there are very very great deals to do on the net.
Companies like:
Gotobike
ADK
Advangroup
Tankcycle
They all make great carbon bikes and sell them cheap to private customers, As Range said earlier ADK have been making frames for well known brands, and there products are very very good quality.
As for Matrix and RTS frames, buy MATRIX, because it is the same bike, just cheaper, a lot cheaper, and very very good quality, and there wheels are also very good.
Waiting for any comments.
Brian

Hi Range,
Will be in New Taipei City 11/13 to 11/19. Looking to get a top of the line carbon frame/complete bike. Want something lite and stiff for lots of climbing. What can you offer/recommend? Cervelo, Cannondale, etc.?
Thanks,
Jim

I came across your blog at the tail-end of an exhaustive search for additional information on bikes from Taichung Cityn Guangzhou, et al.

Even with friends on Hong Kong and personal experience of visiting China one or more times every year, I have had a hard time finding reputable suppliers. The fact that sites like Alibaba are riddled with scam artists does not help.

How do I know the difference between a copy and oem? I need to sell a 2012 cervelo s5 plus a pair of fulcrum wheels but I won’t if they’re fakes. I was told they were oem. How do I know? Thanks for your help!

If they are fakes, there’s not much you can do except advertise it as a replica and try to sell it to recoup some of your loss. If they are OEM, meaning that they are from Cervelo and Fulcrum, but just made for the OEM market, then you’ve got no problems. There’s a difference between OEM and replicas. From what you’ve mentioned, you’ve got replicas. Actually, I don’t think Cervelo makes any OEM frames. Fulcrum is supplying wheels to manufacturers who have specialized accounts as OEM.

i AM ATTEMPTING TO DETERMINE WHERE I SHOULD BUY A CARBON RACE BIKE, WITH UTEGRA GROUP SET FROM TAIWAN OR CHINA, OF COURSE I WANT A 15 TO 16LB BIKE THAT IS OF HIGH QUALITY. DO YOU HAVE ADVICE ON BEST SOURCE AND SAFEST PAYMENT METHOD?